Sign-Up to Hand Out Scavenger Hunt Prompts
Our May challenge will be a Matryoshka built around a scavenger hunt. If you'd like to hand out prompts (and receive comments on your work for doing so!), you can sign up to do so.
SWG News
New Challenge: Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration.
Cultus Dispatches: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn and Grundy
The fan studies column Cultus Dispatches returns with a history of how Tolkien fanworks fandom has reacted and resisted generative AI by drawing strong boundaries in a way that is not typical for the fandom.
Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] How Tolkien Presents Ordinary People in "The Silmarillion" by Dawn Felagund
Inspired by collecting the prompts for the Everyman challenge, this essay considers how ordinary people are subsumed and silenced in The Silmarillion, which begins a three-book arc that ends with the rise of the humble and ordinary.
[Writing] Blessed are the Leave-takers by Isilme_among_the_stars
As prince Curufinwë Fëanáro makes an historical speech from the high court of the King upon Túna, those at the back of the crowd strain to hear.
A silly little scene inspired by Monty Python's "Blessed are the Cheesemakers" scene from The Life of Brian, written for …
[Writing] After the Kinslaying by Deborah Judge
A Teleri fishing boat captain turns to farming on abandoned Noldor lands after her ship is stolen. A Noldor farmer returns with Finarfin to find that his land belongs to the Teleri now.
[Writing] I Sit and Think of Times There Were Before by Erdariel
In his old age, Isildur's former esquire Ruinamacil, known to later histories only as Ohtar, writes his own account of his escape from the ambush at Gladden Fields and journey to Imladris, and the history of his friend whom Isildur ordered to flee with him.
[Writing] Until the Stars are All Alight by Dagstjarna
Reembodied in Aman, Celebrimbor decides to return to Middle earth to help heal the darkness and hurt wrought by the ring.
[Writing] a riot of shadow and shine by Elrond's Library
These were simply flashes, a hint of a wider, greater world. A tantalizing glimpse of more, always at the edge of awareness, never within reach. Míriel would grasp it, if something as intangible as the concept of color could overflow in bounteous wonder over her hands.
But…
[Writing] The Exchange by Elrond's Library
An exchange is made during the Great Journey
Current Challenge
Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Fanon Inverted
Take a fanon you feel passionately about and turn it on its head, creating a fanwork that goes against the fanon norm. Read more ...
New in References
Fandom Draws the Line: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn Felagund, Grundy
By definition, fanworks fandom does not draw a lot of boundaries, but community archives and events have taken a strong stance against AI-generated fanworks due to ethical considerations and member input.
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation by Cynthia (Cindy) Gates
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the parallels between the concept of abnegation in the scientific work surrounding the atomic bomb and in The Silmarillion. The relinquishment of self-interest in favor of the interests of others, abnegation was identified by Tolkien as a powerful act of spirit and reason. The legendarium has many examples of the complexities of abnegation, which parallel similar discussions held by physicists during and after World War II.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Down the Long Years by Isilme_among_the_stars
Bilbo, the strange old hobbit with the wandering feet, senses something special in young Frodo the first time he sees the lad; as they become close, they find in each other a cameraderie not well understood by other hobbits. Five poignant moments between Bilbo and Frodo Baggins over the course…
[Artwork] The Mirror of Galadriel by skywardstruck
Smoke rises from the Mirror, where the Lady of Lothlórien awaits to share its visions.
[Writing] Bar-en-Eladar by Gabriel
Out of the shadow, light is born anew.
A Chieftain is dead. And whilst the events surrounding his death are unclear, a son tries to come to terms with his loss.
Around the World and Web
Week of Kiliel
A Tumblr event dedicated to the relationship between Kili and Tauriel.
Aspec Arda Week 2026
This week-long event celebrates asexual and aromantic spectrum interpretations and headcanons of Tolkien’s Legendarium.
Angbang Week 2026
Angbang Week is a tumblr event focusing on the relationship between Morgoth and Sauron, running from May 5-11, 2026
April/May Teitho Challenge
Teithio is running a prompt challenge around the theme of "heartbreak."
Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2026
The Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang is back for another summer of collaboration between artists and writers!
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Love, Not Wisdom (Drabbles about Men) by Elrond's Library
A collection of drabbles primarily featuring male characters from the Legendarium
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 560 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
we begin in Eden, with an apple and a kiss by atlantablack
“If I did not know better,” he says in a low voice, patience frayed thin, “so close do you insist on being to me, that were you anyone else, I would think you are trying to seduce me.”
Ñolofinwë blinks up at him, eyes hazy and unfocused and so very, very blue. “Would it work if I were?” Ñolofinwë asks in the tone of one who is trying very hard to focus.
Fëanáro stares. Locks his jaw and does not allow his mouth to drop open in shock. "I know you are drunk, but do be serious, Ñolofinwë," he snaps after a tense moment of indecision on how to respond to such an absurd statement. "You cannot seduce those you share blood with, no matter how little it may be."
“Should not,” Ñolofinwë says promptly, one hand coming up to clutch at Fëanáro’s shirt. “You should not seduce kin. But it is possible if one wishes to.”
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 347 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scout of the Third House by Himring
In the days of Fingolfin and Malach Aradan, an unnamed scout of the Third House of the Edain (later called the House of Hador) returns from a long journey in the North to Hithlum.
Now with an added narrative frame, in which our no longer unnamed scout in his old age talks to young Hador about his past.
| Major Characters: Edain, Men, Hador, House of Hador, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Times of Bliss |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 678 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Maglor in Camelot and Heorot by Anne Wolfe
Artwork for TRSB 2025, of Maglor in Camelot and Heorot. The corresponding fanfic is being written by Narya, to be linked here when revealed!
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Beowulf | crossed with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Letters From The Past by Grundy
Artwork for TRSB25. Sometime after the First Age, Elrond has found among his possessions a small box containing a cache of letters. The box, though it does not have the usual fine craftsmanship one would expect from elves, can only have come from Maedhros or Maglor, slipped in among the things given to Elrond and Elros when they were sent to Gil-galad. The letters, in several different styles, appear never to have been opened…
Story for the art is being written by until_the_stars_are_all_alight, I'm so excited to read it! (Link to be added here once the story is revealed.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Calligraphy, Craft, Sculpture/3D Artwork |
| Genres: In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Spirit of Fire by Grundy
Artwork for TRSB25, which asked the author to consider Fëanor's time in Mandos. The story for the art is being written by biologygeorge, and I can't wait to read it. (It will be linked here once revealed.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft, Sculpture/3D Artwork |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
Resonance by skywardstruck
Here's one of my art pieces for TRSB 2025! This cosplay photo set was so evocative, I was wondering what I could use it for, and then I realized that TRSB would be a perfect fit. The circlet and halo crown were made by me; the circlet has an Eye of Sauron design and the halo crown lights up. This is one of my favorite cosplays and I'm so overjoyed to share it as part of TRSB!
Please look forward to reading the fanfic by tyelperintal when the collection goes live!
Cosplayer: skywardstruck
Halo crown and circlet: skywardstruck
Costume: voldadivnaya
Photo: stargirlpictures
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Cosplay |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
A Second Chance by skywardstruck
I had this cosplay photo taken of my Maglor and my friend moodrose's Galadriel at Katsucon 2025, and we managed to get set up just in time for the sunset! The rocky shore outside the convention center was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for this shot. This was a last-minute idea I had, but it really paid off, because we knew this photo would be perfect for TRSB, leaving plenty of room for the author to develop Maglor and Galadriel's relationship. Look forward to reading starspray's amazing fic when the collection goes live on Sept. 6!
Maglor: skywardstruck
Galadriel: moodrose
Photo: aerlinn.cos
Maglor cosplay made by knights-of-beleriand, designed by me
| Major Characters: Maglor, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel & Maglor |
| Artwork Type: Cosplay |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Post-apocalyptic Bree by octopus_fool
The apocalypse is upon Bree and Middle-Earth! Strange creatures roam the streets, and a fell light shines on the world. (Art for TRSB 2025) (Warning for some flickering.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Animation |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
The Flight from Angband by octopus_fool
What if Morgoth turned elves into dragons, but things do not work out the way he planned? (Art for TRSB 2025.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
If It Be Your Will by LadySternchen
“Melian had but a moment’s warning ere her entire world was violently turned upside down. Maintaining the Girdle came naturally to her these days, without needing her conscious thought or effort. She kept away whoever had no business being in Doriath, shut out the voices and mental attacks that Mairon would hurl at her, hardly noticing that she was doing it at all.
This, however, was different. Very, very different.”
Or: how things might have gone had Morgoth run out of patience waiting for Doriath’s fall.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Suicide, Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 680 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Feanor is in a foul mood: test story by Orodreth
This is the test account and test story for the site. If you see this, Dawn and/or Russa are building or fixing something.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 512 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The pure light falling endlessly like rain by Himring
Long afterwards, Elemmire speaks to a stranger about his most well-known work, the lament for the Two Trees.
| Major Characters: Elemmírë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Twilight, Child Of: Comparisons Between Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel by JazTheBard
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the many similarities between Tolkien's three "twilight children," Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel (Luthien, Maeglin, and Arwen) in terms of appearance, plot, and cultural background. Yet these three characters play very different roles in the text.
Strawberry Daiquiri by Artano
Finarfin makes it a rule for his life to stay as far from Tirion and the mess that is his brothers, but during an important festival the house of Finwë gathers to celebrate together. As he tries to cope with the resulting headache, he helps Finrod make a new friend.
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Finarfin & Fingolfin, Fëanor & Finarfin, Finarfin & Finrod, Fëanor & Fingolfin |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 028 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Wing and a Prayer by silmalope
Fingon’s prayer. Last-minute sketch entry for the 40s monthly challenge!
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me by ArizonaPoppy
"In the days of the peace before Melkor broke the Siege of Angband, Finrod would often visit Andreth, whom he loved in great friendship." -- Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth
A slice of life chance (?) meeting of Finrod and Andreth on the dance floor of a nightclub in a WW2 AU. Written for the Swinging 40's stamp challenge on the song prompt of "Why Don't You Do Right?"
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 555 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lingering by Flora-lass
Daeron misses Maglor, in StarSpray's wonderful Mezza Voce.
| Major Characters: Daeron |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 174 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Under the Light of the Stars by janeways
A soldier in Elendil's army and the last High King of the Elves strike up an unusual friendship under the light of the stars.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Gil-galad & Original Character |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 794 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Comparing Tolkien's Thieves To Beowulf and the Old English Context by savannahhorrell
Theft is heavily stigmatized in the Old English legal literature. This stigma carries over to fictional sources, including Beowulf. As a professor of Anglo-Saxon, Tolkien was heavily influenced by these sources. Multiple characters in Middle-earth shy away from the label of 'thief', even as they take actions which many would describe as stealing (see Bilbo, Beren, Lúthien). The balance between historical stigma and the more modern hero thief is mediated by judicious word choice and framing.
The Aromantic in Tolkien by daughterofshadows
Presented at Mereth Aderthad 2025, this paper makes the case thata, although the term "aromantic" had not yet been coined in Tolkien's day, many of his characters can be read as aromantic. The paper takes a closer look at Aredhel, Bilbo, and Boromir as three examples of characters who can be read as aromantic.
Shadow's Scribbles 2025 by daughterofshadows
Four art pieces for Scribbles & Drabbles 2025.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Círdan, Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Abstract/Pattern, Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Gil-galad was an Elven King: Kingship and Personhood in the last High King of the Noldor by maglor-my-beloved
This Mereth Aderthad 2025 presentation considers what we know of Gil-galad beyond his primary role in the text as king. While we have some information about his character, such as his appearance, other facts—names and parentage, for instance—remain unsettled. In other areas, we know almost nothing about Gil-galad, especially compared to the other Noldorin kings, which "leads to him feeling unmoored in the narrative." Gil-galad does not speak, performs no actions outside of kingship, and is given no meaningful relationships. Basic facts, such as his burial, are missing. He is seen from the outside, becoming a side character despite being the longest-reigning Noldorin king. It becomes the task of fans to answer the question Merry asks in "The Lord of the Rings": Who was Gil-galad? Fan creativity plus tantalizing glimpses of his character have filled in the blanks Tolkien left.
Mezza Voce by StarSpray
...everyone here seemed to think Daeron should return to them equally unchanged, the same merry minstrel he had been long ago before the Girdle had been breached. He was yet a minstrel, and he was often merry, but he had seen and done so much that so many here could never even imagine. He had come very close to death more than once, and yet survived. He did not care what others might think of him, really—except for a select few—but it would be tiresome to be always catching them off guard, and his love for one of the sons of Fëanor would catch many very much off guard, he knew.
Daeron settles back in among his own people, travels to Tirion--and meets Fëanor.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Mablung, Fëanor, Curufin, Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Daeron & Lúthien, Curufin & Daeron, Caranthir & Daeron, Celebrimbor & Daeron, Daeron & Mablung |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 22, 075 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Love, Grief, and Alliterative Verse in Tolkien's Legendarium by Paul D. Deane
Presented at Mereth Aderthad 2025, this paper considers how the themes of love and grief run parallel throughout The Silmarillion and are central to Tolkien's imagination. Also central is alliterative verse, and the paper discusses Tolkien's use of alliterative verse in the legendarium, his literary and scholarly influences, and his professional interest in alliterative verse. The paper draws parallels between alliterative verse in the legendarium and in the English literary tradition, making the case that alliterative verse was used in-universe by the Elves. Finally, the paper uses this evidence to advocate for fanworks that use alliterative verse.
